Getting Rid of the HorseEngineers and mechanics of all kinds are tinkering with small carriages, looking for ways to add some kind of engine under the seat. Some designs use electric motors, but most are powered by gasoline engines. Henry Ford, Chief Engineer of the Edison Light Company in Detroit, is among those intrigued by the possibilities. After taking a test ride in a competitor's car, he develops an early experimental design, using an engine of his own design. Ford isn't actually the first. Two year earlier, an 80-mile race in Europe is won by a gas-powered auto. A year after that, the winner of a 55-mile race in Illinois is a gas-powered design averaging 7 mph. |
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Stand Clear, Please Early racing autos sometimes struggle just to make it all the way to the finish line, in one piece. The first races are low-speed events (lower left), but bigger 4-cylinder models are more reliable, and have far more power (top and bottom right). The amazing transcontinental race to San Francisco and back is won by a stock 16-hp touring car, which crosses the Rocky Mountains loosely following the old Oregon Trail. The round-trip takes 10 months, at a time before gas stations. | |||||||||
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Ready for the Market By 1905, all the cars shown above are for sale to sporty businessmen with a fascination for speed. Henry Ford introduces his first car for sale in 1903, and sells a couple thousand in the first two years. A year later, 20,000 autos are being produced by American manufacturers, and 400 trucks. Within six years, the numbers will be 10 times greater. | |||||||||
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Hello, Tin Lizzie The big year for autos is 1908, when Ford introduces his venerable Model T, nicknamed the Tin Lizzie. While other manufacturers are working on faster, fancier and more comfortable models, Ford focuses instead on bringing down the cost. The Model T is sold in many body styles, as shown above, but remains little changed over its 20-year production span. Some 15 million are built until it is finally replaced by the re-designed Model A, in 1927. | |||||||||
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Transformative Idea Ford's most important innovation is the concept of the moving assembly line, where workers remain essentially stationary while the cars move slowly past them. This isn't implemented until 1913, but the concept of limiting each worker to just a few operations, taking just minutes, is there from the start. Near the end, 10,000 finished autos are rolling out the doors every day. Over 20 years, the price drops by well over half, due to increasing manufacturing efficiency. It's widely believed, as Ford himself claims, that he lowered the price so that ordinary workers could afford to buy one. In reality, the repetitive tedium of the production line results in huge turnover rates for workers, before the wage hike. They will only stay if paid twice the going rate. | |||||||||
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Be Sure to Bring Tools The growing popularity of automobiles is not due to their speed. Trains already run at twice the speed. The real attraction is the promise of true mobility, and the personal freedom it enables. At this point, it's largely just a dream, however, as most country roads are in appalling condition. Tires need constant changing, and gas is not generally available outside city limits. Those not technically inclined need to hire a full-time driver/mechanic just to keep it running. Still, a grand ride in the country, under the shade of the canvas top, is an appealing vision. Touring cars offer a comfortable, protected ride without the need to abandon stylish clothing. | |||||||||